GDC: Virgin to use HeroEngine for virtual world

Virgin’s AWOMO project is a 3D world that lets consumers but and play games – the platform was described by founder and boss Sir Richard Branson as "the opportunity to do for PC games what iTunes has done for music."

As well as Virgin in the UK, two US studios have licensed the technology – Stray Bullet Games and Colony Studios.

“We welcome our new licensees. After massive technology diligence they all saw how using HeroEngine’s advanced features and revolutionary workflow will bring to market leading edge MMO games faster than ever before,” said David Whatley, CEO of Simutronics.

Virtual spaces have been a hot topic at GDC, from announcements partnering Second Life with Philips through to Sony’s Home and other MMO-styled experiences in the works.